On Oct. 2, reddit user VapeThisBro posted a purported leak to the subreddit GamingLeaksAndRumors for a video game set in the beloved universe of “Harry Potter.” The post showed a hand-recorded video of what appeared to be an in-progress trailer, featuring a character customization system, an open world that takes players outside of the castle and a ton of spells, from one’s typical combat spells like “Stupify” to lesser-known magic like transmutation.

The leaker also provided his transcription of what he was told about the new title’s story: “Set in the 19th century (1800s) Wizarding World, this third-person open-world action RPG game centers around your character with unique abilities who has earned a late acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You are a newly arrived fifth-year student to Hogwarts that demonstrates a latent gift for magic with a unique ability to track and identify remnants of a potent ancient power.”

Upon arrival, strange events begin to materialize in the Forbidden Forest, and trouble begins to brew within the castle walls. Together with Professor Elezar Fig, players embark on a journey through both familiar and never-before-seen locations to bring to light the truth behind these mysterious occurrences. On the quest, players will craft potions, master new spells and discover fantastical beasts. They will battle dark wizards, goblins and other supernatural enemies and uncover the truth about their destiny – the fate of the wizarding world lies in their hands.

He also added some details on how the players will be able to experience the wizarding world. Players will be able to choose from up to eight types of wizard classes, explore the school, make meaningful relationships with other students and belong to one of Hogwarts’ four houses, as well as make complex decisions that alter the game world. Those choices can be good or evil in accordance with players’ custom hero, and it is all part of a magic system that creates potential for thousands of possibilities. 

It seems that, if the game leak can be trusted, it has been inspired by games like “Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor” and “Alien: Isolation,” which leave behind already-established characters in an effort to break into their own niche of the series. By taking players to unexplored parts of the series canon, it allows the game designers to have more creative freedom.

RastaPasta, a YouTuber placed the leaked trailer video on his channel, but at the time of writing, it was removed by Warner Brothers Entertainment Interactive. This seems to imply the footage (and any other evidence of the leak) is in some way connected to a real product.

The game was originally rumored to be developed by RockSteady Studios (the minds behind the critically acclaimed “Batman: Arkhan” series). However, that was denied, instead leaving the speculation toward Avalanche Softworks, who was responsible for various Disney games and spin-offs.

The unofficial title of the game is “Harry Potter: Magic Awakened.” The “Harry Potter” franchise has remained in the realm of video games mostly in mobile titles, with mobile and iOS games like “Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery,” but these have left fans of the series with a need for more due to lacking gameplay and a reliance on micro transactions. After these games left a sour taste in the mouths of fans, this is a title they will be eager to keep an eye out for.

Image from Bethesda Softworks via YouTube